The Time Gap and Procrastination

We often procrastinate on the tasks that matter most for our long-term success. It's as if our brains are wired to sabotage us. While procrastination has been around forever, understanding why we do it and how to stop is intriguing.

The Procrastination Puzzle: Bridging the Time Gap

Think about your future self, perhaps 10 years from now. Imagine sending a message back in time to your current self about a task you're avoiding. What would that message be?

• Our brains are terrible at connecting our present selves with our future selves.
• Neuroscience shows that we think about our future selves as strangers, leading to "temporal discounting."
• We value immediate rewards far more than future ones, even when the future rewards are objectively better.

Hacking the System: Connecting With Your Future Self

We can overcome procrastination by hacking this system and actively connecting with our future selves emotionally.

A Simple Hack: Write a Letter to Your Future Self

This exercise involves writing a letter from your future self to your present self, vividly describing your future life, achievements, and advice on the task you're avoiding.

• Write a letter from your future self to your present self, making it as vivid as possible.
• Write a response from your present self, expressing fears and reasons for procrastination.
• Continue the dialogue by switching back to your future self and responding.

The Compounding Effect of Small Actions Over Time

This exercise highlights the compounding effect of small actions over time. Our future selves understand the significant long-term consequences of procrastinating on tasks that seem insignificant now.

The Startup of You: A Future-Focused Approach

Treat yourself like a startup, where your present self is the founder, and your future self is the successful company you're building.

The Real Meaning of Productivity: Prioritizing Long-Term Impact

Productivity is not about cramming in more tasks. It's about identifying and completing tasks that will have the biggest long-term impact.

A Challenge: Engaging with Your Future Self

Start each day by engaging in a five-minute conversation with your future self. Ask them what the most important task is for today and then do it.

• This small hack can significantly change your behavior and productivity.
• It's not about willpower or discipline but rather shifting your perspective to include your future self.
• The best way to predict the future is to create it. Start by taking action on the tasks you're avoiding now.